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Meta India Doubles Revenue From Click-To-Message Ads In FY23

Social networking giant Meta has doubled its revenue in India from click-to-message ads in FY23 on a year-on-year basis.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted this growth during an analysts call on October 26, 2023.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp considers India as one of its biggest markets. Zuckerberg also said that over 60 percent of WhatsApp users in India message a business app account on a weekly basis.

The country has the highest WhatsApp user base of over 500 Mn and is set to hit revenue of $1 billion in India by the end of 2023. Also, according to Statista, as of January 2023, India has the highest 229.55 Mn Instagram users, ahead of the US’s 143.35 Mn users.

In February 2023, Zuckerberg also said that Click-to-Message ads had reached a $10 Bn revenue run rate globally.

Meta Growth In India In 2023

Earlier this month, Facebook India reported gross advertisement revenues of INR 18,308 Cr in FY23, up 13% year-on-year from INR 16,189 Cr in FY22.

In FY23, the company’s net profit surged 19% to INR 352 Cr from INR 297 Cr in FY22. At the same time, its total revenue increased by 20% to INR 2,776 Cr from INR 2,324 Cr in FY22.

Also, Facebook India’s ad inventory cost decreased by 63% to INR 5,666 Cr from INR 15,120 Cr in FY22.

Meta is also exploring the possibility of launching an ad-free subscription plan in India by 2024. If introduced, this would mark Meta’s second subscription offering. The social media behemoth currently offers high-tier services such as a verified badge at a monthly charge of INR 699.

Meta CEO further believes business messaging will be the next major pillar for the company’s business, with more than 600 Mn conversations happening between people and businesses every day on its platforms.

Other Key Points Highlighted In The Q3 2023 Earnings Call

During the earrings call, Meta CEO shared an update on the growth of company’s newly launched platform ‘Threads’.

Within three months, Threads now has 100 Mn monthly active users globally. Zuckerberg believes, that Threads is going to a point where they will be focusing on growing the community further.

“….there should be a billion person public conversations app that is a bit more positive. And I think that if we keep at this for a few more years, then I think we have a good chance of achieving our vision there,” he added.

Going further, the two key focus areas for Meta will be AI and metaverse.

The post Meta India Doubles Revenue From Click-To-Message Ads In FY23 appeared first on Inc42 Media.

by Sameera

Binance Responds to User Complaints Global crypto exchange Binance has announced that it will increase compensation for customers who were liquidated during the recent crypto market selloff. The move follows widespread criticism after thousands of traders suffered sudden losses due to extreme volatility earlier this month. According to internal reports, Binance will refund part of the unrealized losses to affected users through its User Protection Fund, which currently holds over $1.2 billion in reserves. The compensation applies mainly to futures traders whose positions were automatically liquidated during rapid price swings in Bitcoin and other major tokens. Bitcoin’s Price Plunge Sparks Liquidations The crypto market experienced one of its sharpest downturns in 2025, with Bitcoin (BTC) falling below $50,000 for the first time in eight months. This triggered billions in forced liquidations across major exchanges, including Binance, OKX, and Bybit. Analysts suggest that a combination of high leverage, macroeconomic uncertainty, and institutional selloffs contributed to the crash. Binance faced particular backlash for what users described as “slippage and server delays” during the event. Binance Enhances Transparency In response, Binance’s management pledged to improve system transparency and risk management mechanisms. The exchange stated it is reviewing its liquidation protocols to ensure fairer treatment of users during periods of extreme volatility. A spokesperson confirmed that Binance would also begin publishing weekly protection fund audits to reassure investors. Why It Matters for Investors Looking to Buy Bitcoin The compensation announcement comes at a crucial time for retail traders considering whether to buy Bitcoin on Binance amid renewed volatility. Analysts note that Binance’s proactive stance could restore confidence among users after months of regulatory scrutiny and market turbulence. Crypto strategist Michael Wu from Amber Group commented, “This move reinforces Binance’s commitment to customer protection. It may also attract new users who are hesitant to trade during volatile periods.” Still, experts warn that volatility remains high, and investors should exercise caution before re-entering the market. The Bigger Picture The event underscores the need for stronger investor safeguards as the crypto industry matures. Binance’s decision to compensate affected users sets a potential precedent for other exchanges facing similar backlash. Meanwhile, Bitcoin prices have started to stabilize around $52,300, with cautious optimism returning to the market. Stay ahead with the latest in crypto, startups, and financial technology on StartupNews.FYI — your source for real-time business insights and innovation updates.

by Sameera

Leadership Change at Indonesia’s Flag Carrier Indonesia’s state-owned airline Garuda Indonesia has appointed Glenny Kairupan as its new Chief Executive Officer, according to a government official cited by Reuters. The decision marks another major leadership shift for the national carrier as it continues efforts to stabilize finances and restore operational efficiency after years of restructuring. While the official announcement did not specify the reason for Kairupan’s appointment, it comes at a critical time for Garuda Indonesia, which has been navigating challenges including post-pandemic recovery, debt management, and fleet modernization. A Strategic Appointment Glenny Kairupan, an experienced aviation executive, steps into the role previously held by Irfan Setiaputra, who led the company through one of its most turbulent periods. Under Setiaputra’s leadership, Garuda Indonesia completed a complex court-led debt restructuring worth more than $9 billion, reducing the airline’s liabilities and securing new lease terms for its fleet. Kairupan is expected to continue implementing efficiency strategies while expanding Garuda’s international partnerships and improving profitability. His appointment aligns with the government’s long-term plan to enhance state enterprise governance and ensure transparency across Indonesia’s aviation sector. Challenges Ahead Despite a return to profitability earlier in 2025, Garuda Indonesia still faces significant operational hurdles. Rising fuel prices, global aviation competition, and the need for sustainable modernization remain key issues for the new CEO. The airline is also working on expanding domestic connectivity to boost tourism and regional economic development, a strategic priority under Indonesia’s national infrastructure plan. Industry analysts believe Kairupan’s leadership will be instrumental in balancing financial discipline with growth ambitions. His experience in corporate restructuring and aviation management is seen as critical to guiding Garuda through the next phase of transformation. Government Support and Public Expectations Garuda Indonesia holds symbolic importance as the nation’s flag carrier. The Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises has reiterated its commitment to supporting the airline’s stability while ensuring it remains competitive in the Southeast Asian aviation market. Kairupan’s appointment is viewed as part of a broader strategy to professionalize state-owned enterprise leadership and rebuild public confidence. Outlook With Glenny Kairupan now at the helm, the airline’s immediate focus will likely be on improving operational reliability, expanding profitable routes, and investing in digital transformation to enhance customer experience. As Indonesia’s aviation industry continues to recover, Garuda Indonesia’s success under new leadership will serve as a key indicator of how effectively the country can balance government oversight with corporate agility in a post-pandemic world. For the latest updates on aviation, business, and global leadership trends, visit StartupNews.fyi for comprehensive coverage and analysis.

by Sameera

Company to Cut Jobs Amid Strategic Consolidation Under “Servus Media” Red Bull, the Austrian beverage giant known globally for its energy drinks and sports ventures, has announced a significant restructuring of its media division, including job cuts at Servus TV and other Red Bull Media House operations. The decision, first reported by ORF Salzburg and Der Standard, marks a pivotal shift in Red Bull’s media strategy as the company aims to streamline operations under a unified brand. Red Bull Media Division Undergoes Major Reorganization According to official sources, Red Bull employs roughly 600 people across its various media activities — including Servus TV in Wals-Siezenheim (Flachgau) and the Red Bull Media House headquarters in Vienna. The company now plans to consolidate its media businesses under a new umbrella brand called “Servus Media”, leading to the elimination of about 60 positions. The restructuring aims to bring together the company’s television, digital, and publishing arms to improve efficiency and focus resources on the most profitable channels. “The goal is to create a more integrated and agile media organization,” a company spokesperson told local outlets. Leadership Overhaul and Strategic Refocus The reorganized Red Bull media unit will be managed by Dietmar Otti, alongside executives Matthias Bruegelmann, Marlene Beran, and Stefan Ebner. The new leadership team is expected to oversee the realignment of editorial direction, digital transformation efforts, and international partnerships. Servus TV, long known for its regional programming and documentaries, will continue broadcasting under the new structure. However, insiders suggest that the channel’s content strategy may shift toward more cost-effective formats, including digital-first productions. Layoffs Signal a Broader Trend in European Media The job cuts at Servus TV and Red Bull Media House come amid a wave of media industry restructurings across Europe, as companies grapple with declining ad revenues, rising production costs, and the growing dominance of streaming platforms. For Red Bull, the restructuring represents a broader shift from traditional broadcasting to digital storytelling, leveraging the brand’s massive global reach in sports, lifestyle, and entertainment. “This isn’t just about cost-cutting — it’s about repositioning for the future,” said media analyst Thomas Heigl. “Red Bull is refocusing on content that aligns more closely with its global sports and brand marketing ecosystem.” Servus TV’s Future Servus TV has been a cornerstone of Red Bull’s Austrian media presence since its launch in 2009, known for its cultural programs, documentaries, and coverage of Red Bull-sponsored events. However, as the company consolidates under Servus Media, it is expected to scale back certain local productions to reduce overlap and operational costs. While the network’s editorial independence and regional focus will likely remain, Red Bull’s new direction suggests a leaner, more digitally integrated future for the brand. Industry and Employee Reaction Reports indicate that notifications of the planned layoffs have already reached Austria’s public employment service (AMS). However, the company has not yet disclosed the exact distribution of job cuts across departments. Employee representatives have expressed concern over the reduction, urging management to ensure fair severance terms and internal …